From Domestic Violence to Independence

Kayla has endured a great deal of pain in her 19 years; much of it at the hands of her own mother and other family members. To get away, she found herself in the homeless encampment in Yakima. As a single mother, she is determined to find a way out of the violence and dysfunction that has always surrounded her.

Kayla’s mom, who suffers from severe mental disabilities and Alzheimer’s disease, was physically and emotionally abusive to Kayla throughout her life. She was recently sent to prison on her fourth domestic violence charge.

Kayla’s daughter just turned three, and the teen is determined not to raise her daughter in the same environment that she withstood all those years. So, Kayla began to create a network of supportive adults to help her. One of them, her high school counselor, referred her to Catholic Charities’ newest program, Young Adult Housing Services (YAHS) for homeless youth (ages 18-24). The new program helps homeless youth find housing, employment, and assistance with budgeting, career planning, education and setting personal goals. Having lived in a welfare family her entire life, Kayla wants to learn how to support herself and her daughter and how to sustain a household without public assistance.

Kayla is excited about becoming independent. She has already found a job at a fast-food restaurant and been promoted to supervisor in just a few short months. Although YAHS would have provided a microwave for her, Kayla insisted on purchasing it herself and is quite proud that she is beginning to stand on her own.

“I just knew that I couldn’t continue with my life the way it was, especially for my daughter. She’s not going to have to live like that. I’m especially thankful that I have to work for what I’m getting. I’m the one that’s making the difference for my daughter and me, and that feels good,” Kayla said.